The Enduring Legacy of College Hill Pool: A History
College Hill, a historic neighborhood in Wichita, Kansas, boasts a rich history that extends beyond its residential streets and into the realm of recreation and community engagement. Among its treasured landmarks is the College Hill Pool, a place where memories have been made for generations. This article explores the history of College Hill Pool, its significance to the community, and its place within the broader context of Wichita's park system.
The Origins of College Hill and its Park
College Hill's story began in the 1880s, a period of rapid growth and real estate speculation in Wichita, then known as the "Peerless Princess of the Plains." The neighborhood's name originated from a planned Methodist college at Douglas and Rutan. However, the Methodist church decided to build in Winfield, Kansas, instead, which is known today as Southwestern College. While residential construction began around the turn of the century, College Hill Park emerged later, becoming a central feature of the community.
College Hill Park: From Country Club to Community Hub
The area that is currently College Hill Park has undergone several transformations throughout history. From 1901 to 1912, it served as the Wichita Country Club, complete with a golf course. However, during the Great Depression, the overgrown golf course was redeveloped into a park with the help of funds from the WPA.
Today, College Hill Park, managed by the Wichita Department of Park and Recreation, spans 22 acres. It has a basketball court, a playground, and shuffleboard and tennis courts. The park also features the beloved College Hill Pool.
The College Hill Pool: A Community-Funded Treasure
The College Hill Pool was built in 2000, marking a significant chapter in the park's history. This pool replaced an older pool. The residents of College Hill demonstrated their commitment to recreation by agreeing to pay part of the cost. This collaborative effort underscores the community's investment in the pool's success.
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According to city data, more than 17,000 people visited the College Hill Pool in 2014, the highest attendance of all the city's pools. This statistic highlights the pool's popularity and its role as a central gathering place for residents.
Celia Gorlich, president of the College Hill Neighborhood Association, emphasized the special connection between the community and its pool: "All communities certainly love their pools, but College Hill is a little bit special because of the history and the fact that people have monetarily invested in the pool."
Challenges and Considerations
Like many of Wichita's public pools, College Hill Pool faces challenges related to aging infrastructure and budget constraints. The city's Park and Recreation Department is continually seeking ways to improve and maintain these facilities while addressing compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act. In 2016, College Hill was being refitted for accessibility.
Brian Hill, city aquatics supervisor and manager for O.J. Watson Park, noted that most of the city's pools were built decades ago, with a life expectancy of around 30 years. "So these pools built in the '50s, '60s and '70s, we're keeping them on life support in some areas, but we have a maintenance staff that does a good job of making sure they're inspected and safe. We've gotten way more use out of some of them than what was intended."
Future of Aquatics in Wichita
Faced with these challenges, the city of Wichita is exploring various options for the future of its aquatic facilities. These options include repairing and upgrading existing pools, replacing pools with splash pads, building a central indoor pool, or some combination of these approaches.
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The city's Park and Recreation Department recognizes the importance of public input in making these decisions. Troy Houtman, Park and Recreation Department director, stated, "It's their decision to make. It's their choice, and we want to get their input. It's our responsibility to provide the best options for the money, but we can't do that without their input."
A Place for Community and Recreation
Despite the challenges, College Hill Pool remains a vital part of the community. It serves as a place for recreation, exercise, and social interaction. The pool's features include a mushroom waterfall, a family pool, a shaded shelter, and snack/beverage machines.
The pool also hosts special events, such as the "Dog Days of Summer," which allows residents to bring their dogs to wade or swim in the pool after the regular swimming season.
College Hill Pool and the Spirit of Innovation
Interestingly, the spirit of innovation and sustainability also connects College Hill to broader trends. The College Hill Pool offers a space for recreation and community, while other institutions in the region explored sustainable energy solutions. For example, in the late 1970s, a college in Westminster was at the forefront of integrating solar-powered heating and cooling systems into its new campus design. President Jimmy Carter even mentioned the college in his Remarks at the Solar Energy Research Institute in 1978.
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